Solutions To The Spherical Wave Equation

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the spherical wave equation, specifically focusing on the electric field solution and the implications of evaluating it at the origin where r=0.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to understand the behavior of the electric field solution at r=0 and questions the validity of the expression due to division by zero.
  • Some participants suggest considering the limit as r approaches zero while keeping time t at zero to explore the implications.
  • There is a concern about time constraints affecting the discussion.

Discussion Status

The conversation is ongoing, with participants exploring the mathematical implications of the expression as r approaches zero. There is a hint provided to guide the original poster's thought process, but no consensus or resolution has been reached.

Contextual Notes

The original poster expresses urgency due to time constraints, which may influence the depth of exploration in the discussion.

RESolo
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If the solution to the electric part of the spherical wave equations is:

E(r, t) = ( A/r)exp{i(k.r-ωt)

What happens when t=0 and the waves originates at the origin, i.e. r=0 ... which I assume can't be right as you of course cannot divide by zero.

Thanks!
 
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Hint: what happens if you take the limit towards zero of r and take t=0?
 
Te exponential approaches 1 and you have A/r, the same problem? Can you just tell me I'm running out of time here!
 
RESolo said:
Can you just tell me I'm running out of time here!

I can't PF rules won't let me.
 

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